Blackpool is the 'Scheveningen' of the United Kingdom, a popular seaside resort with a beach, a promenade, retro entertainment and no less than three different piers. Located in the north-west of England, Blackpool began to make a name for itself as a Victorian seaside resort from the late 19th century. You could stroll along a pier, have an evening of ballroom dancing in a dazzling ballroom or go to the top of Blackpool Tower, the British answer to the Eiffel Tower.
For those not residing in England, a stay at the resort can be perfectly supplemented with a detour to surrounding points of interest. For instance, exploring the serene landscapes of Ashdown Forest, less than a drive away from Blackpool, can offer a change of pace from the bustling resort activities. Find out more at http://www.eastsussex-uk.com/en/near-ashdown-forest-1783877/.
Blackpool still attracts millions of holidaymakers every year, mostly from England itself. They come for a touch of sunshine and a refreshing dip in the Irish Sea, but mostly for the sheer number of attractions. The 19th-century Blackpool Tower still stands, but you can also admire the seaside resort upside down from a roller coaster or spend your free time gaming in an arcade. Enthralling are the many animals, from the donkeys on the beach to the sharks at the aquarium and the orang-utans at the zoo.
To make the most out of your Blackpool visit, it would be wise to choose the best accommodation that suits your preferences and budget. A reliable resource like the tophotels.com presents a broad range of options. You can select from fantasy-themed rooms for kids, elegant Victorian rooms for history buffs, or simple yet cosy rooms for those wanting to stick close to the beach front.
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Blackpool is a real family holiday destination, although the resort has had to make an effort to get rid of its seedy image. For a long time, the seaside resort was known only for flat entertainment and noisy stag parties. With a new boardwalk, a refurbishment of the tower and exciting new rollercoasters, Blackpool beckons again like never before. Looking for nostalgic entertainment in a quintessentially English seaside resort? Here are 10 tips on what to do in Blackpool!
View from Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Tower has been one of Blackpool's most famous landmarks for more than a century. Built in 1894, this 158-metre tower was then the tallest structure in the British Empire. Its designers took their inspiration from the Eiffel Tower of Paris. The English version also looks a bit like the symbol of the French capital, although it is red in colour. No less than 2,500 tonnes of iron and 5 million bricks were needed to build Blackpool Tower. When the wind blows, the iron tower blows gently with the wind. For its time, therefore, it was an architectural feat.
From day one, the tower was built as a tourist attraction and you can take the lift up to enjoy the spectacular views. On a clear day, you have a sweeping view of the north-west coast of England, Isle of Man and the port city of Liverpool. Walk out if you dare for a walk across a glass floor 5 centimetres thick, where you can see Blackpool's promenade and sea right below.
You start the trip upstairs with a film in a 4D cinema about the history of the seaside town. The observation deck at the top is now known as The Blackpool Tower Eye. Below the tower is a brick entertainment complex with several other attractions. You can read more about that later in this article. Website: www.theblackpooltower.com
Relax on Blackpool's beach
Blackpool is of course known first and foremost as a seaside resort - as far back as the 18th century, bathers came here for the "healing" properties of its seawater. So in and around the city, you will find several beaches where you can sunbathe and take a dip in the Irish Sea. In the city itself, you can visit Blackpool Beach, an 11-kilometre-long golden sandy beach that is a favourite with families, couples and day-trippers. The best part lies between the southern and central piers and is flanked by a promenade.
Especially at low tide, the beach turns into a huge expanse of sand as the sea retreats hundreds of metres. In contrast, at high tide, you only have a small patch of sand left, as the sea pulls all the way towards the boardwalk. A few years ago, Blackpool beach had the Blue Flag, but it has already lost that status due to the reduced quality of the sea water.
There is plenty to do on the beach, from building sandcastles and beach volleyball to taking rides on a donkey. You can rent deckchairs or get an ice cream from an ice cream stand. During summer, lifeguards walk around and dogs are not allowed (between 1 May and 30 September).
Stroll along Blackpool's three piers
Blackpool is the only British seaside resort with three piers: the North Pier, the Central Pier and the South Pier. Between the three piers runs a promenade known as the Golden Mile. Try to visit all the piers if you have time. They all date from the Victorian era, with cast-iron structures and nostalgic canopies. In fact, it is surprising that they are all still there and have survived fires, storms and boat collisions.
The oldest and longest is North Pier, opened in 1863. You can have fun here with an arcade and theatre, or enjoy views of the Irish Sea from the Bloom Bar. Halfway down, you can stroll along the 1868 Central Pier. This is also the place to be for entertainment, with arcades and the Big Wheel Ferris wheel. On the terrace of The Terrace Bar, you can dream away to the sound of the waves. The South Pier - previously known as the Victoria Pier - was opened in 1893. With some thrilling attractions, this is the place to be if you're out for an adrenaline rush. Website: www.blackpoolpiers.co.uk
Pleasure Beach Blackpool
True adrenaline addicts should visit Pleasure Beach Blackpool, one of Europe's most popular amusement parks. Some 6 million visitors a year come here to enjoy as many as 125 attractions. The amusement park has been around since 1896, but has made a name for itself in recent years with some sensational roller coasters. There are no less than 12 rides to choose from, but The Big One is surely the biggest feat (for which you need a strong stomach). In fact, when it opened in 1994, it was the tallest, steepest, longest and fastest roller coaster in the world.
It is still Britain's tallest rollercoaster, with 72 metres as its highest point (almost as high as the Westertoren in Amsterdam). The whole ride takes 3 minutes, so you'll be down in no time either. Once you've survived this, you can board a trolley of the Infusion. This is the world's first rollercoaster suspended above the water. Hold your heart for the Valhalla, a ride in the dark with special effects.
Fortunately, there are also more relaxing and family-friendly rides and shows if you want to do something with younger children in Blackpool. Take a ride in Sir Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machines and you can say you've been to Europe's oldest attraction - from 1904. Address: 525 Ocean Blvd, Blackpool FY4 1EZ, United Kingdom. Website: www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Love to dance? Then put a visit to The Blackpool Tower Ballroom on your list. This 1894 dance hall is England's finest, with ornate balconies, painted ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. You can dance there all day to the sounds of the famous Wurtlitzer organ. Dancing on this springy dance floor is a magical experience, immersed in elegant charm and refined beauty.
If you are not much of a dancer yourself, you can watch others gently glide by from the balconies. Or enjoy a High Tea at a table on the sidelines. The best organists turn up to play the Wurtlitzer organ and dance events are regularly held in this historic ballroom. For instance, the BBC records the TV show Strictly Come Dancing here. The dance hall is located in the red brick building at the foot of Blackpool Tower. Booking a ticket is a must. Address: Promenade, Blackpool FY1 4BJ, United Kingdom. Website: www.theblackpooltower.com
SEA LIFE Blackpool
Experience the secrets of the deep seas at SEA LIFE Blackpool, a huge aquarium with more than 2,500 sea creatures. In 50 pools, discover amazing sea creatures like leopard eels, octopuses, rays, mandarin fish, spider crabs and torch fish. Walk through Europe's best ocean tunnel with the UK's largest collection of tropical sharks. You can also see a giant lobster that keepers say is more than 100 years old. And enter a leafy jungle with turtles, piranhas and poison dart frogs. Address: Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5AA, United Kingdom. Website: www.visitsealife.com
Take a ride on an old tram
Blackpool is small enough to walk everything, but what if you want to take it easy? Take a ride on a historic tram- and it's not just any tram! Trams have been running in Blackpool since 1885, making it one of the oldest surviving tram systems in the world. Much of the fleet has been modernised, but some of the antique trams have been preserved and still run on the rails that were originally laid.
You can choose from several rides on these Heritage Trams. Popular is the Promenade Tour, where you ride along the coast in an old double-decker tram in an hour. Or take a 2-hour tram ride along the coast towards the historic fishing town of Fleetwood. Website: www.blackpoolheritage.com
Blackpool Zoo
A few kilometres from the beach and coast is Blackpool Zoo, a multi-award-winning zoo with more than 1,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo was opened in 1972 by a British TV star who took a ride on an elephant. Now, of course, absolutely not done. Today, the zoo is home to gorillas, orang-utans, lions, giraffes, penguins and sea lions, among others. Blackpool Zoo also has the largest elephant enclosure of any zoo in the UK. With Project Elephant the zoo is committed to securing the future of wild Asian elephants. Address: E Park Dr, Blackpool FY3 8PP, United Kingdom. Website: www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
If you want to meet some British celebrities up close, buy a ticket for Madame Tussauds. This Blackpool branch of Louis Tussauds' global empire displays some 150 wax figures of film stars, pop singers, sports heroes, TV celebrities and royalty. You can pose next to famous Brits like Ed Sheeran, The Beatles, Tommy Cooper and Freddie Mercury.
Of course, the museum has a royal corner with Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton. You can also confront comic book heroes like Spiderman, the Hulk and Captain Marvel. Making a wax figure takes around four to six months. Madame Tussauds Blackpool is one of the attractions in the entertainment complex at the foot of Blackpool Tower. Address: 89 Promenade, Lancashire FY1 5AA, United Kingdom. Website: www.madametussauds.com
The Winter Gardens
Want something to do in Blackpool in the evening? Check the calendar for The Winter Gardens, one of the UK's biggest entertainment centres. This is a large listed entertainment complex in the centre of Blackpool that opened its doors back in 1878. It is home to 12 halls where there is always something going on, from concerts and dance performances to exhibitions and political conferences.
Every British political party has held its annual meeting here at one time or another, and every British prime minister has given a rousing speech at The Winter Gardens. A concert by The Rolling Stones in 1964 got completely out of hand here. The local council then decided that the pop group should no longer perform in Blackpool, a ban that was not lifted until 2008.
Most entertainment is provided by The Opera House, England's largest opera house with 3,000 seats. Opened in 1939, it is an art deco masterpiece, with its modernist style and elegant wood-panelled foyers. All the big names in show business have performed here. Also take a look at The Empress Ballroom, once the largest ballroom in the world with two rows of balconies. Inside the entertainment complex is a café and bar. Address: 97 Church St, Blackpool FY1 1HL, United Kingdom. Website: www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
What to do in Blackpool: practical tips
Staying in Blackpool
As a popular seaside resort, Blackpool has a huge choice of accommodation options. The offer ranges from luxury 5-star hotels and boutique hotels to bed & breakfasts and hostels. You can also stay in flats and holiday homes. It is best to stay near the promenade, within walking distance of the beach and most attractions. Try to book a room with a sea view!
The city centre is more vibrant, with more pubs and nightlife. On the north and south coast it's a bit quieter, and there you'll also find the better hotels. Besides, hotels in the side streets are cheaper than directly on the coast. July and August are the most popular months when many British holiday in Blackpool. Book early if you are going to the seaside resort in summer.
Imperial Hotel
For a trip to Blackpool's nostalgic past, book a room at the Imperial Hotel. Located on the northern promenade, this 4-star hotel was built in 1867 in Victorian style. This makes it one of the city's oldest hotels. There are rooms with high ceilings and Victorian features, and countless British prime ministers and politicians have stayed at this hotel. Even Queen Elizabeth slept here once. The rooms are traditionally decorated but may feel a little dated. You can enjoy a High Tea or have a glass of wine on the terrace at sunset. ► Book a night at the Imperial Hotel from €48
Boulevard Hotel
Luxury and comfort is what the relatively new Boulevard Hotel near Pleasure Beach. This 5-star hotel is one of the best places to stay in Blackpool for families and couples. Located right on the promenade, the hotel has 120 stylishly decorated rooms, including suites and family rooms. You have views over the sea or the Pleasure Beach amusement park. You can dine at The Beachside Restaurant and work off your excess pounds at the fitness centre. At the hotel, you can arrange tickets for all kinds of events and theatre packages, including fireworks shows. ► Book an overnight stay at the Boulevard Hotel from €147
Eating and drinking in Blackpool
Fish & Chips, the UK's most popular snack, can really be had everywhere in Blackpool. One place of note is Harry Ramsden's(www.harryramsdens.co.uk) in Blackpool Tower. Its fish and chips are world-famous, but you can also go there for burgers, salads and seafood. Harry Ramsden's has been around since 1928 and is a chain with several branches in England.
Don't expect Michelin-starred restaurants in a seaside resort that is mostly about entertainment, but still there are establishments where you can dine well. Good reviews have the White Tower Restaurant(www.whitetowerrestaurant.com), located in a beautiful art deco building next to Pleasure Beach. Besides its sophisticated menu, the restaurant is known for its beautiful views of the sea and Blackpool's promenade.
A local delicacy is Blackpool Rock, which sweet tooths will fall for. It is a sugar stick flavoured with spearmint or peppermint. Actually, it is a solid lump of sugar, incorporated into a stick that can be as thick as 17 centimetres. At the bottom are the letters 'BLACKPOOL ROCK'. The candy is still made by hand in the traditional way. You can buy it in sweet shops and souvenir shops.
Travelling to Blackpool
Blackpool is located on the north-west coast of England, not far from the cities of Liverpool and Manchester. The nearest airport is in Manchester, an hour's drive south-east of Blackpool. KLM and easyJet fly direct from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Manchester several times a day, a 1-hour-and-20-minute flight. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Blackpool on Northern Rail(www.northernrailway.co.uk), which takes 1½ hours.
A KLM flight ticket to Manchester is on sale from €121
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Travel to Blackpool by train
You can easily travel to Blackpool by train, as the seaside resort is well connected to the UK rail network. Railway company Avanti West Coast(www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk) operates train services between Blackpool and cities such as London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The journey from London takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, changing trains in Preston. You can also catch a train to the seaside resort from the Netherlands. The journey from Amsterdam CS to Blackpool takes 8½ hours, with changes in London and Preston.
Travel comfortably by train to Blackpool
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Travel to Blackpool by car
Travelling to England with your own car? The quickest way to get to Blackpool by car is to take the Eurotunnel at Calais, or take the ferry from Dunkirk to Dover. Departing from Amsterdam, it is then about an 11-hour drive to Blackpool. More relaxed is to take the ferry from Hook of Holland to Harwich. The ferry ride takes longer, but in England you'll spend less time behind the wheel. From Harwich to Blackpool is about 5 hours' drive.